How to Reset Your Apple ID Password on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Resetting an Apple ID password can feel overwhelming — especially when Apple starts asking for trusted devices, verification codes, or account recovery. The good news is that Apple provides multiple ways to reset your password, depending on what devices and access you still have.
This guide walks through every supported method shown in the video, explains why Apple requires so many steps, and helps you avoid getting stuck in account recovery. Everything here reflects real scenarios you may actually face.
🎓 What You’ll Learn
How to reset your Apple ID password on a trusted Mac
How to reset your password on an iPhone or iPad
How to generate strong Apple ID passwords using Safari
How password changes affect other Apple devices
How to reset your password during new device setup
How to reset your Apple ID using someone else’s iPhone or iPad
How to use the Apple Support app to reset your password
How Apple Stores can help reset an Apple ID
What Apple Account Recovery is and when it’s required
Why trusted devices and two-factor authentication matter
🔐 Understanding Trusted Devices and Two-Factor Authentication
Apple relies heavily on trusted devices and two-factor authentication to protect Apple Accounts. A trusted device is any iPhone, iPad, or Mac already signed in with your Apple ID and protected by a passcode or biometric authentication.
When resetting your password, Apple often requires:
Approval from a trusted device
A verification code sent to a trusted phone number
Confirmation using a device passcode
Without at least one of these, recovery becomes slower and more restrictive.
🖥 Resetting Your Apple ID Password on a Trusted Mac
If you know your current password and have access to a trusted Mac, this is the easiest method.
On macOS:
Open System Settings
Select your Apple ID
Choose Sign-In & Security
Click Change Password
Enter your Mac user password
Create and confirm a new Apple ID password
You’ll be asked whether to sign out other devices. Choosing to sign out can help if you suspect unauthorized access.
🔑 Using Safari to Generate a Strong Apple ID Password
Safari can generate strong passwords automatically using iCloud Keychain.
To generate a password:
Open Safari
Go to Passwords
Create a new password entry
Use the suggested strong password
This avoids weak or reused passwords and ensures your Apple ID meets security requirements.
📱 Resetting Your Apple ID Password on iPhone or iPad
If you know your password and have access to your device:
Steps:
Open Settings
Tap your Apple ID
Select Sign-In & Security
Tap Change Password
Enter your device passcode
Enter a new Apple ID password
After changing your password, iCloud syncing may pause until the new credentials are verified on all devices.
🔄 What Happens After You Change Your Password
When your Apple ID password changes:
Other devices may prompt you to re-enter the password
iCloud syncing may temporarily pause
Two-factor verification may be required again
This is normal and part of Apple’s security process.
📦 Resetting Your Password While Setting Up a New Device
You can reset your Apple ID password during the setup of a new iPhone or iPad.
During setup:
Choose Forgot Password or Apple ID
Enter your Apple ID email
Approve the reset from a trusted device or phone number
Create a new password
This method still requires access to a trusted device or phone number.
📲 Resetting an Apple ID Using Someone Else’s iPhone or iPad
If you don’t have your own device available, you can use someone else’s iPhone or iPad.
Steps:
Open Safari
Visit iforgot.apple.com
Choose Reset Password
Select Help Someone Else
Enter your Apple ID and trusted phone number
Apple may send:
A verification notification to your trusted device
A text message with a verification code
This method does not require the helper to sign out of their own Apple ID.
🛠 Resetting Your Apple ID Using the Apple Support App
The Apple Support app offers another reset method.
Using the app:
Open Apple Support
Select Reset Password
Choose Help Someone Else
Follow the same verification steps as iforgot.apple.com
This is especially helpful if Safari access is limited.
🏬 Resetting Your Apple ID Password at an Apple Store
If you don’t have a device available, you can visit an Apple Store.
At the store:
Use a display iPhone or iPad
Visit iforgot.apple.com or use the Apple Support app
Choose Help Someone Else
Verify using your trusted phone number or device
Apple Store staff cannot bypass security but can guide you through the process.
⏳ Apple Account Recovery Without a Trusted Device
If you have no trusted device and no access to your trusted phone number, Apple Account Recovery is the last option.
This process:
Requires submitting identity information
May take several days
Depends on how much information you can verify
If verification fails, access to the Apple ID may be permanently lost.
🧑🤝🧑 Preventing Account Recovery with Recovery Contacts
To avoid account recovery:
Add a recovery contact to your Apple ID
A recovery contact can help generate a recovery code
This option is available in:
Settings on iPhone or iPad
System Settings on Mac
Setting this up in advance can save days of frustration later.
